What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. Healthy adult Muslims fast in Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts, and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran, and charity are also encouraged during the holy month of Ramadan.

The holy month of Ramadan is once again upon us. While most of us will be fasting and praying and seeking Allah’s blessings in this month some would be spending even more time in extra prayers and remembrance of Allah. Every year Ramadan offers a kind of transcendental experience for many Muslims.

Muslims also believe the Quran was revealed in Ramadan.

During the holy month, Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, and they break their fast with a meal referred to as iftar.

It is common for mosques to host large iftars, especially for the poor and needy. Nightly prayers called Tarawih are also held in mosques after iftar.

Different cultures have different traditions during Ramadan, whether it is a special food they must cook, or eating iftar with the extended family. Islamic tenets such as generosity inspired most of these traditions, including sharing food and inviting guests over for iftar.

When is Ramadan?

Since Ramadan is part of the lunar calendar, its date annually changes on the Gregorian calendar. Muslims tend to wait for the new month’s moon to appear before they announce the first day of Ramadan. However, they can still estimate the day beforehand.

This year Ramadan begins on Friday, April 24 in most Muslim-majority nations.

How long is Ramadan?

Lunar months last between 29 to 30 days depending on when the new moon is sighted. If the moon is not seen on the night of the 29th day, then Ramadan lasts for the full 30 days.

The Eid al-Fitr celebration marks the end of the month when Muslims celebrate a successful Ramadan of fasting and worship.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. There is also a verse in the Quran that prescribes fasting for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to do so for the full day.

Fasting is also seen as a way to learn patience and break bad habits.

Importance And Its Benefits

The month of Ramadan 2021 is one of the most blessed and rewarding months of the Islamic calendar. Muslims from around the world observe fasting from dawn will dusk. Fasting cleanses a believer’s soul of his past sins. It invokes a sense of humility, righteousness, punctuality, self-restraint, and brotherhood for fellow Muslims. Here are some of the many benefits and the importance of this blessed month.

Attain Taqwa

Fasting helps a Muslim attain Taqwa or the fear of Allah (SWT) and His Wrath. Taqwa invokes a Muslim to practice self-discipline and self-restraint as he fights his urges for all things immoral, makrooh, or haram. Fasting offers Muslim protection and is an excellent way of observing some serious self-reflection and how to become a better Muslim in order to please the Almighty whilst simultaneously preparing for the Hereafter.

The door of Heaven is Open

In the holy month of Ramadan, the gates of hell are closed and the devil is chained. The doors of heaven are open. There is a door in Paradise called Al-Rayyan which is only meant for those believers who observed fasting during Ramadan.

Multiplication of Rewards

The month of Ramadan is the most rewarding month amongst all the Islamic months. During Ramadan, Allah (SWT) multiplies a Muslim’s rewards for worship and good deeds by 10, 70, 700 times.

Repentance and the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

Allah showers His mercy upon the Muslims, especially during these last 10 nights. In them, du‘ā’ is answered particularly quickly, and especially after one finishes a complete reading (khatm) of the Qur’ān (the best time to complete the last suras in the Qur’ān is either right after Fajr or right after Maghrib and since the nights are so significant, it would be better in to finish it right after Maghrib during the last 10). Also, Allah forgives many, many people and frees them from the Hellfire – so it is recommended to repeatedly ask Allah for forgiveness with a heart that is present and focused on Him, Exalted is He! Also, O Believer, these are the days which the Beloved Prophet, peace, and mercy be upon him, described as the days when Allah frees people from the Fire. So be alert and make use of these days in worship and repentance.

Throughout Ramadan, especially the last ten nights, Muslims seek forgiveness (Sha’faat) from Allah the Almighty to cleanse their body and soul of past sins and misdeeds. Spending the last ten nights awake earns a Muslim reward, blessings, and forgiveness for his efforts. For those who spend the last ten nights in Itikaf, in addition to earning rewards, they get a chance to self-reflect, attain peace of mind, and become patient.

Probably the greatest blessing within these last 10 nights is that Laylat Al-Qadr [The Night of Great Value] is hidden somewhere within its odd nights. It is related by Imām Aḥmad (a sound hadith) that the Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, “Laylat Al-Qadr is within the 10 remaining days. Whosoever stays up [in prayer/worship]… Allah, Most Exalted, will forgive all his [or her] past and future sins. And it is on an odd night, the 9th, or the 7th, or the 5th, or the 3rd, or the last night.”

Health Benefits

Fasting not only purifies a Muslim’s soul but also his body. Fasting helps reduce weight and rejuvenate the body as food consumption is modified and the body gets a chance to cleanse itself of unwanted impurities and toxins.

Fasting has many benefits for the body as well as for the mind. It gives the body some needed respite provided one does not indulge in the night. And the rigorous discipline and code of conduct that has to be observed daily as part of fasting and for as long as thirty days contribute to one’s patience, tolerance, and overall wellbeing. These are by themselves great health benefits of fasting.

Ramadan brings with itself countless blessings and benefits. Observe fasting in Ramadan to be rewarded in this world and the Hereafter.

Quran classes are designed for learners of all levels including beginners and advanced learners. Kids, adults, converts to Islam – there are many people who want to and need to learn the Quran.

The most basic online Quran classes are Quran reading classes. These classes are designed for people who may not know how to read the Quran at all. Hence, students and teachers start from scratch.

Another online class is the Arabic course. Here, the student learns about the Quran but also simultaneously learns important words and phrases of Arabic. Therefore, he can understand the Quran as well.

Tajweed and Tarteel classes are very important for all students who want to read the Quran. This course helps to ensure that students pronounce the Quran as they are supposed to.

Quran memorization classes are some of the most popular ones, especially amongst young students. Parents are often interested in making their children memorize the Holy Quran.

Quran translation is one of the most important courses for those people who do not understand Arabic. This is because Islam is a religion that must be implemented. If people simply read the Quran but fail to act upon it, they will not gain a lot of benefits.

Basic Islamic education classes are also available for youngsters and new Muslims. This is to teach the student about the basics of Islam such as the five pillars, etc. With this, the student understands his core responsibilities as a Muslim.

Why you should learn the Quran online

The key aspect of online learning is its convenience and flexibility. With no need to go anywhere or spend time traveling, a lot of time and money is saved. Students can study from the comfort of their homes at their own convenient and preferred timings. Students from all over the world study the Quran. Hence, timings are of no consequence.

You also have a number of options to choose from when it comes to teachers. Additionally, you have the option of female teachers. Direct one-on-one learning helps students to quickly learn the Quran from teachers rather than settling for slow progress in a classroom environment.

It is true that learning the Quran has the main drawback of missing out on the atmosphere one can find at a mosque or Quran institution. This type of serious atmosphere is ideal to learn the Quran. However, it can be replicated in homes as well.

Online Quran classes are a great way of learning the Quran. You can sign up for a free one-week trial at QuranForKids.com and start learning now!

Kids love learning at an early age and memorize and learn words by memory once given clear instructions. The Holy Quran is written and skim within Arabic that's the universal language for all Muslims to recite the Quran verses within the world. An online Quran academy or online Quran classes for kids living within us can provide confidence in your kids for reciting the Quran aloud ahead of others and make their place in heaven. The best thing about a Quran Academy online in New York is that it allows your kids to learn the Quran from the comfort of their homes using their own gadgets or computers. If you would like your kids to start reciting the Quran and Tajweed properly without dalliance, then the simplest solution is selecting the simplest online Quran University.

Being at a young age means learning many things to know the planet around you. Kids are always at a risk of learning things that are non-productive and not beneficial for their careers and humoral life. For learning Quran classes for kids, there is no age restriction, however, it is never too early to learn Quran for kids. Even a one-year-old child can start learning the Quran and recite its words if given a chance.

It is never too late for parents as well to learn the Quran using an online best Quran teaching academy. At any stage of your life, age does not matter; it is your learning and the quality of your learning that matters to learn the Quran. Most people learn when they are young due to the recent growth of the Internet and mobile phones in the world. The best Quran classes are provided by Learn QuranAcademy in the United States to Muslim children and their parents so that not only kids can benefit but elderly students can also learn the vital lessons of the Quran to make their world more successful. Join the simplest Quran teaching academy within the US and learn Quran from the absolute best tutors online.

Islamic training is essential for children’s growth. Some education boards think that art education is not necessary and not really significant in the lives of today’s students. Islamic courses are always equated to the primary core courses, such as science and English. Some people think that core classes are much more important to the person’s education, Islamic courses give kids important lessons about life that they are not exposed to in any of the different courses. Islamic instructors take this ability and the ingenuity of students while allowing students to express themselves.

Until today. It may be difficult to think, but like never before in contemporary history, children learn more about the time than their parents do. The new generation of children is immensely more knowledgeable, better equipped, and more anxious to embrace new technology introductions, new online destinations, and new kinds of media. They represent digital aboriginals. In the increasingly digital reality, parents are finding out of the home. Sometimes, it looks like our children come from another planet, and we’ve been left behind at the dinosaur years, looking to turn extinct. We get fun of them for not recognizing what the turning telephone is or how cold turntables were, but deep within we’re afraid that they’re up to now innovative. We can never catch up. We urgently want the means to slow down this process, to give us back some control over what they are performing online. The fear, the despair, is why we’re grasping in these false promises of parental controls.

Online Quran Teachers

Quranforkids is a leading Islamic Education and Online Quran institute for kids and adults. We offer you a chance to find out the holy book of Allah Quran word by word from an expert OnlineQuran Teacher. we offer you one on one live Quran classes at your home. We teach Skype and students learn through audio and video conversation. If you like to want an expert tutor or a scholar-teacher, you ought to choose us. our teachers, teaching all age groups.

    Female Quran Teachers

You can learn Online Quran with the expert Female Quran Teacher at the convenience of your home. Learn Quran the USA offers Online Quran Classes for Ladies in different countries like in UK, USA, Australia, and Canada. Our Quran Academy have qualified and Experienced Female Quran Teachers for children and women.

This surah is labeled as As-Shifa, because it has a cure for the disease. If you're in debt or facing poverty this surah is perfect for you, you must recite it. It also secures us from the fears of the Enemy, jealousy, and the evil eye. It is the dua that Allah taught himself to the people.

Which Surah is the mother of the Quran?

Surah Fatiha

Lots of things that we can learn within Surah Fatiha. One of the major things, that we should only Pray to GOD, and whenever we need help we should only make our way towards GOD.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated to a companion that this surah is the greatest one in the Quran. It is the first surah when we start reading the Quran, and it literally means ‘The Opening.’ Additionally, its recitation consists of the glorification of Allah and asking Him to guide us toward the straight path. That acts as a precursor to the rest of the Holy Book, where we seek Allah’s guidance.

We can divide the meanings of the Quran into two parts. The first part of this surah focuses on the glorification of Allah. In it, we acknowledge Allah as the Lord of all creation and recognize His authority. This shows how we must keep remembering Allah often. Additionally, we also focus on Allah’s mercy. According to a Hadith, Allah divided His mercy into 100 parts and sent only 1 part for this world; He kept the rest for Himself.

In the second part of this surah, we ask Allah to guide us toward the straight path. We ask for His help shortly after discussing His mercy; the two are closely interconnected. In the last verse, we specify that we are referring to the paths of those whom Allah blessed, instead of the ones who went astray. 

Many names of Surah Al Fatiha

• Al-Fatihah 

• Umm al-Kitab 

• Umm al-Quran 

• Al-Hamd 

• As-Salah 

• Ash-Shifa

• Ar-Ruqyah

• Asas al-Quran

Benefits of Surah Fatiha

The most regularly repeated surah in the Quran is Surah Al Fatiha. Muslims recite it in every Rakaah of every salah. Indeed, we say this prayer so much that it has become a habit for many of us to recite it, and we don’t even realize or notice what we are uttering.

The revelation of Surah Fatiha

The revelation of Surah Fatiha upon our beloved prophet (peace be upon him) was in Makkah just before he migrated to Madinah, according to Ibn Abbas, Qatadah and Abu’l-Aliyah. It is the fifth Surah of the Quran to have revealed in chronology. The first to have revealed in its wholeness.

How to recite Surah Al Fatiha in Prayer?

According to the belief of the mass portion of the scholars, such as - Malik, Ash-Shafi’i and Ahmad is that it is obligatory to recite Al-Fatihah in the salah and that the prayer will be invalid without it. Many proofs establish this notion. Our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said  ‘There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book.’

According to Ubadah bin As-Samit, our prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated, ‘Whoever does not recite Sûrat Al-Fâtihah in his prayer, his prayer is invalid.’ [Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.1, Hadîth No. 723].

Jummah is one of the special days for Muslims, and it has many virtues that we can benefit from. It is one of the special days from the perspective of Islam. Hence, we must take advantage of it by doing the prescribed acts. Some are obligatory, such as the Jummah prayer for men. We should also perform the sunnah and optional acts when possible. That will help us to worship Allah in the best way and get close to Allah.

The Virtues of Jummah

The Prophet (PBUH) narrated that Friday is for Muslims, Saturday for Jews, and Sunday for Christians. He emphasized that on Day of Resurrection, people would be in this order. Hence, Muslims would be the first. Additionally, he stated the importance of Jummah by informing us that Allah created Adam (AS) on this day.

Muhammad (PBUH) said that the angel would blow the trumpet, signaling the end of this world as we know it, on a Friday. He also noted that Friday is the best day on which the sun rises. Moreover, he told us to send salutations to him on this day. Besides this, there is one part of Friday during which Allah answers all prayers. We should try to take advantage of that by making dua often.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) outlined many duas for us to recite in our day to day lives. Among them are duas before and after using the washroom, or while entering and leaving one’s own house. Another occasion where Muslims should recite duas is while traveling.

Travel has always been something fraught with danger. Hundreds of years ago, travel wasn’t easy, and only a few people would do it. Those few people would be at risk of facing adverse weather conditions, or even hostile humans in the form of thieves and robbers.

Nowadays, travel is very popular, and millions of people travel daily via several means. Among the most common ones are vehicles such as cars and buses, trains, and airplanes, and helicopters for long distances. We even have rockets for traveling in space!

While travel has become safer overall and people are less likely to face dangers nowadays, the fact is that according to estimates, more than a million people die in road crashes every year. Tens of millions face severe injuries that have long-term impacts.

Keeping all this in mind, it’s important that we seek Allah’s protection while traveling. When we recite travel duas, we aren’t just seeking Allah’s protection from events that take place during travel. We are instead asking for general well-being, which includes coming back to a peaceful, pleasant, and safe home as we left it. Best Recite commonly Dua for traveling:

Surah Az-Zukhruf [Surah 43: Ayah13-14]

سُبحٰنَ الَّذى سَخَّرَ لَنا هٰذا وَما كُنّا لَهُ مُقرِنينَ ﴿١٣﴾ وَإِنّا إِلىٰ رَبِّنا لَمُنقَلِبونَ ﴿١٤

Transliteration

"Subhan allazee sakhkhara lana haza wamaa kunna lahu muqrineen, wa’innaa’ilaa Rabbinaa lamun qaliboon." 

Allah informs us via a Hadith Qudsi that we should offer voluntary acts to get close to Him. We also know from the Prophetic Sunnah that one of the acts dearests to Muhammad (PBUH) was the night prayer, i.e., Tahajjud. He would stand at night for hours in the deep worship of Allah.

The ideal time for how to pray Tahajjud is during the last third of the night. Allah informed us that this is the time at which He comes to the lowest heavens. Then, He asks the believers who are praying to make duas which He can answer, and repent so that He can forgive. This is also the time that Prophet Muhammad (S) prayed at.

Prophet Muhammad (S) used to offer 8 rakats of Tahajjud and pray 3 witr for a total of 11. If we plan to offer Tahajjud, we should leave the witr till the end and not pray them with Isha. We can pray the 8 rakats of Tahajjud in batches of two. However, the number 8 is not final. We can pray more or less. The reason for focusing on 8 is because that’s what Prophet Muhammad (S) did. We should make lots of dua during our prayer and repent to Allah for our sins.

What about Dhul Hijjah's First Ten Days? They come and move anonymously with Muslims, often unaware of their significance, let alone understanding they began. These days are often thought of as nothing but a countdown to Eid. One can learn the importance and rewards of ten days of Ramadan in Quran Classes.

Different Scholars Views

Ibn al-Qayyim clarified that Ramadan's last ten nights are the best nights of the year after Dhul Hijjah's The first 10 days are indeed the happiest days of the year.

Ibn Taymiyyah was asked, and his response was, Ramadan's final ten nights are good at night, and Dhul Hijjah's The first 10 days are good at daytime.

Ibn al-Qayyim confirmed that and this statement was agreed by Ibn Kathir.

Word in the Quran

So precious are Dhul Hijjah's first ten days, that Allah swears by them an oath when He says in the Quran: "At dawn; at ten nights". Swearing an oath by something shows it’s meaning and incredible advantage.

The dawn is genuinely a glorious symbol of Allah. It signals the end of the night and the passage of time and marks the start of a new day. This time is linked to so many forms of worship, including the end of tahajjud prayer, the starting of fajr prayer, and the start of fasting.

Likewise, the ten nights by the association are a great symbol of Allah. Something so intense that Allah has chosen them to take an oath. So essential is something that Allah linked to the dawn itself.

Ibn Abbas (may Allah bless him) explained that those ten nights are Dhul Hijjah's first ten days.

Importance in Ahadith

There seems to be a clear the prophetic story reported by Jabir ibn Abdullah, wherein the Prophet said that the 10 days (indicating the 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah) are indeed the happiest days of this world.

The hadith was recorded by al-Bazzar, and was considered credible by many traditionalists.

(Ibn Abbas recounted that Rasulullah said once that no good deed is more beloved of Allah Ta'ala than all these first 10 days of Zul Hijjah)."

The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) asked, don't even fight in Allah's way? Not even working in Allah's direction; however, the prophet of Allah answered that with the exception of the one who left with his life and riches ‘in the path of Allah’ and did not return with any of it i.e. he is martyred. It is stated in the Bukhari.

After some of these Prophet (peace and salutations be upon him), no more inspiration should be needed for us. The essence of Islam is jihad. The holy act of worship in which a servant lays everything that is beloved of him on the floor, to make the word of Allah the supreme.

And yet this hadith suggests that worshipping Allah during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is much better than that one! In these 10 days Allah has opened to each other every door of goodness, so be fearful not to switch your back on Allah’s grace, lest that the door be closed to you again.

This is also reported from Ibn Abbaas that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that no days are just as weighty with Allah as the first 10 days of Zul-Hijjah and so valued by him during good deeds. So recite even more in such days La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Al-Hamdu-lillah, Subhanallah.

Suggested Acts during these Blessed Days

Generally speaking, any deed in which Allah is pleased should really be done in all of these days.

The main act to be performed in abundance is the tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed because these were the first to be reported in the narrative Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) where the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that there are no days better than these 10 days before Allah, or in which virtuous deeds are further beloved of Him, so recite a tremendous deal of tahleel (saying).

It is stated that Sa'eed bin Jubair, the popular second-generation scholar, will exert himself in intense worship of Allah once the 10 days have begun.

Do Dhikr

Start with Allah's Dhikr (Remembrance), as Allah said that in the Quran "Recite, [O Muhammad], what the Book has revealed to you, and create prayer. Therefore, prayer condemns immorality and iniquity, and the memory of Allah is indeed better. And Allah knows what you are doing. It is stated in the Holy Quran chapter number twenty-nine and verse number forty-five.

From Allah’s Grace, He commanded us to worship services that bring happiness and comfort to our hearts and have an inherent pleasure, as Allah said in the Quran, those who trust and whose souls are satisfied by the dhikr of Allah. Unquestionably, the hearts of the believers remain satisfied by the remembrance of Allah. It is also stated in chapter number thirteen and verse number twenty-eight.

Widen abundantly in the Dhikr of Allah. Upon entering the market, Dhul hijjah Ibn 'Umar and Abu Hurayrah will enter and raise Allaah's takbeer. And it is because the glorification and worship of Allah will resound on the marketplace.

Ibn Umar narrates that the Prophet (peace and greetings be upon him) said: "There are no days when acts of kindness are greater than any of these 10 days that Allah is beloved of. So recite the tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed more frequently.

Keep the Fast

The Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "One fast throughout these days is equivalent to one full year's fast, and one night's prayer during that time is equal to the worship in the" Lailatul-Qadr.

Abu Qatadah announced that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "I expect in Allah Ta'ala that Arafaat 's fast will become an expiation for the sins of the past and the year ahead" (Tirmidhi)

Abu Qatadah describes that the Prophet (peace and greetings be upon him) said about the fast of Arafah's day, "It expiates the crimes of the past a year and the upcoming year."

Indeed it is recorded from Hunaydah ibn Khalid that one of the Prophet’s wives said the Prophet used to fast Dhul Hijjah's first nine days [Al-Nasai and Abu Dawood]

Abdullah ibn Amr stated that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The fast and the Qur'an are 2 intercessors for Allah’s servant on the Day of Resurrection. The quick would say: 'O Lord, I was stopping him from eating and desiring him during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an would say: 'I forbid him to sleep at night. Let me intercede for him.' And I consider their intercession."

Do Sacrifice

Sacrifice, because it is the occult tradition of our founding father Ibrahim, and it was commended for our Prophet (peace and grace be upon him) when Allah said, "Pray therefore unto your Lord, and sacrifice [to him only. It is described in chapter number one hundred eight and verse number two.

The Prophet said that the day of sacrifice, Adam's child is not doing any deeds that are more satisfying to Allah than bloodshed. The sacrificed animal including its horns, feathers, and hooves shall arrive the Day of Judgment. Allah accepts the sacrifice until the blood hits the earth.... "[Tirmithi, Ibn Majah].

Spend time in Prayer

Increase exponentially in your prayer because of Saeed ibn Jubayr's relation that in those 10 days, he will raise in night prayers and acts of kindness so much so that people cannot bear the example he set but would demand him to cease.

Do Recitation

Recite the Quran because it is Dhikr's strongest form, and the shortest way to draw near to Allah. Set yourself these days as an idealistic target, as you set yourself an aim for Ramadan. 

Do Charity

Donation of charity was linked to courage, and miserliness was linked to cowardice. The Prophet (peace and salutations be upon him) will invoke, "O Allah, I take asylum from miserliness and cowardice.

Takbeers

The Takbeer at-Tashreeq is wajib for people to recite, and mustahabb for women, at least once after Fajr's 9th of Zulhijjah to Asr's 13th of Zulhijjah after every fardh prayer.

It is: "Allahu akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah. Allahu akbar, wa Lillahi'l-hamd (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah; Allah is the Greatest, and glory be to Allah),'

Men are advised to repeat these sentences out loud and women silently.

The two forms of takbeer that are to be made during these 10 days must be noticed.

The generic takbeer is made from Dhul hijjah's first Maghrib till the tenth. And the unique takbeer made from Dhul hijjah 's ninth Fajr (Arafah's day) until Dhul hijjah 's thirteenth Asr.

The wording is versatile including statements like those of Ibn Masood, "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-Hamd."

Conclusion

It is the duty of every Muslim, women and men, old and young alike, to restore these 10 days until they are like Ramadan's last 10 nights for our nation.

The lives of people are concise and perfect for our transparency. No one can afford to allow golden moments such as these to slip without even expending oneself in Allah's worship. However, everyone's wish is that Allah Almighty makes this task easy so that all these days' deeds can be done easily. Therefore, one may learn the significance and rewards of these ten days of Ramadan.

Islam teaches Muslims to treat animals kindly and with mercy. It is for this reason Islam completely outlaws cruelty toward animals. Indeed, if we dig deeper, we will discover that good behavior toward animals is something that Allah stresses.

Unfortunately, some people take the few incidents that involve Muslims and think that Islam condemns animals or says negative things about them or that Islam even wholly condemns them, which is rarely the case. Dogs and pigs are among some of Allah’s creations that people misunderstand and hate. In the meantime, Islam only forbids eating their meat or keeping them as pets (for particular reasons.)

To know Islam and the Quran properly, we must learn the Quran. The most suitable way of learning the Quran is through online Quran classes like QuranForKids with flexible timings and experienced teachers. You can learn the Quran online in such cases from the comfort of your own home with an online Quran teacher. Many different Quran classes are available according to your needs.

Insects and small animals in the Quran

We may start with one of the smallest insects around: the fly. Allah says in a parable in Surah al-Hajj that humans can’t even get together and create a fly, which is among His creations. This shows Allah’s Power and Glory.

Another of the small animals mentions in the Quran is the mosquito. Allah says in Surah al-Baqarah that He isn’t ashamed of using a parable of a tiny mosquito, or something bigger or smaller than it.

Surah an-Nahl is named after bees; an-Nahl means “The Bees” in Arabic. Hence, it’s no surprise if we see that Allah discusses bees extensively in this Surah and the honey that they produce.

Another surah Allah named after insects is Surah an-Naml, which is a reference to ants. Allah relates a story where an ant told his fellow ants to take shelter because they were at risk of being crushed by Sulaiman (a.s.)’s forces.

Yet another surah in the Quran about animals and insects is Surah al-Ankaboot. In this surah, Allah compares people who take protectors besides Allah with a spider that builds a weak house for itself.

In Surah al-Qariah, Allah compares the scene on the last day with that of a colony of moths, all scattered around.

Allah says in Surah al-A’raf that He sent plagues of locusts, lice, and frogs as signs for the people of Pharaoh.

Birds in the Quran

Birds are among the animals Allah mentions in the Quran. In Surah al-Maidah, Allah explains one of Isa (a.s.)’s miracles. He molded a bird’s figure with clay and then breathed into it, after which it became a bird by Allah’s leave.

Additionally, Allah says in Surah an-Nur that all creatures in the heavens and on earth, including birds, celebrate the praises of Allah.

Allah also narrates in the Quran that He sent a crow, which scratched the ground to show Adam (a.s.)’s son how to bury his brother after he had killed him.

Allah says in the Quran in Surah al-Baqarah that He sent down animals such as quail for the Children of Israel so that they may eat them and satisfy their hunger.

In Surah al-Feel, Allah shows us how He sent birds to defeat the Companions of the Elephant; they threw stones upon them and thwarted their attack against the Kaabah.

Livestock and animals that Muslims can consume in the Quran

Allah has outlined the various animals that Muslims can eat in the Quran. The second and longest chapter of the Holy Book is named the Cow. One of the stories mentioned in it is when Musa (a.s.) told his people that Allah wanted them to slaughter a cow. Our Lord also mentions cows in the story of Yusuf (a.s.) and the king, where the monarch dreamed about cows devouring other cows.

In Surah ash-Shura, Allah says that He created humans in pairs as well as cattle. As a result, all these creatures multiply and keep increasing in the world.

When it comes to animals that we can eat, Allah mentions in the Quran in Surah al-An’am that among the animals we can consume are sheep and goats.

Allah also mentions camels in the Quran on some occasions. He tells us about the she-camel of the people of Thamud, which the people shouldn’t have hurt. However, they hamstrung her and earned Allah’s wrath.

Allah also narrates how Musa (a.s.) was away from his people for 40 nights. During this period, his people started worshiping a calf. He reprimanded them upon his return and told them to kill the transgressors among them as punishment.

Another animal Allah frequently mentions in the Quran is the pig. He tells us that consuming pork is forbidden in many surahs, including Surah al-Maidah and Surah al-Baqarah.

We learn in the story of Yunus (a.s.) that a fish swallowed the prophet after he stopped preaching to his people and left without Allah’s permission. Later, he was saved by Allah after repenting to Him.

Various other animals in the Quran

Allah mentions lions in Surah al-Mudaththir, comparing people to scared donkeys running away from a chasing lion.

In Surah an-Nahl, Allah narrates how He created horses, mules, and donkeys for the benefit of humans.

Allah narrates the story of the cave-dwellers in Surah al-Kahf. These men slept safely for a very long period while their dog kept guard at the entrance to their cave. While dogs are impure, there are many positive things about these animals mentioned in the Quran as well.

In Surah al-Qasas, Allah tells us about the miracle of Musa (a.s.). By the will of his Lord, Musa (a.s.) was able to throw down his staff in front of Pharaoh’s magicians, and it converted into a snake.

Allah tells us about the story of Yusuf (a.s.) and how Yaqub (a.s.) was worried that a wolf would eat him when his sons took him away. The brothers rejected the notion; later, they threw Yusuf (a.s.) into a well and claimed that a wolf had eaten him. 

The Month of Muharram

Day of Ashura

The word Ashura has great historical and religious significance and holds great meaning in the lives of Muslims worldwide. On this day:

•    Allah accepted the repentance of Hazrat Adam (AS) after his exile from Paradise.

•    Allah saved Hazrat Nuh (AS) and his companions in the ark.

•    Allah extinguished the fire in which Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was thrown by Nimrod.

•    Allah spoke directly to Hazrat Musa (AS) and gave him the Commandments. It also marked the victory of Prophet Musa (AS) as Pharoah and his army got defeated.

•    Hazrat Ayyub (AS) was restored to health (from leprosy).

•    Hazrat Yusuf ('AS) was reunited with his father Ya’qub ('Alaihis-Salaam).

•    Hazrat Yunus (AS) was taken out from the belly of the fish.

•    The sea was divided as the nation of Israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed.

•    Hazrat Dawood ('Alaihis-Salaam) was forgiven.

•    The kingdom of Sulaiman ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored.

•    Hazrat Isa ('Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah.

•    Hazrat Husayn (Radiyallahu 'anh) (the Holy Prophet’s grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.

Conclusion